Constant, deafening tinnitus (TW)

[LostMyReligion1980]

So I've had this for over three and a half years, can still barely eat, can't shower or wash my hair as the anxiety is sky high. I was always someone who hated noise and had to be in quiet to function. I've had no help from doctors except putting me on mirtazapine against my will. Im constantly suicidal but there's no help anywhere, I've been house bound the entire time and been mostly bed bound since summer 2023. I only see my partner who has his own health issues, Xmas and my birthday were totally miserable as I had panic attacks at midnight on both days. I told a doctor (on a phone call) three years ago I would kill myself and she told me not to be silly and totally dismissed me. I was appalled at her attitude. I don't know what the point of this is really, just wondering if anyone else is in the same boat and how do you cope? (I can't "ignore it", it's way too loud, I hear it over everything).

You can have a phone appointment with the GP.
Being deaf in on ear doesn't need to stop you from going out.
You are obviously severely depressed as a result of the tinnitus. So reviewing your medication and making changes there might help.
The GP can refer you for therapy or you can self refer. It's hard to deal with but is possible to learn strategies to cope.
Staying in bed is absolutely the worse thing you can be doing when you are depressed, if you can start to slowly do a bit more and focus on those things more and the sound less it will become easier but you obviously need therapy and support to make those changes now.
It's obviously really hard but there are some steps you can take to make things begin to feel better.

Yes I've had a number of phone calls with a GP, no help at all. I did have some general CBT by phone about three years ago , he never mentioned tinnitus once and this has to be tinnitus focused to actually help. I missed one appointment as I didn't hear the phone and was struck off. Someone on FB had sudden hearing loss and tinnitus and had private help, I think for over a year, but this would cost thousands and I'm using savings so can't afford that.

Have you posted before? I think I remember your story.

I developed moderate to severe tinnitus last year, in both ears. One of my tones is unstable and warbles and buzzes my whole brain. To say it's been a depressing ride would be an understatement.

However, you have to help yourself. I still struggle to get of the house some days but I force myself to go to the gym, meet friends. Being in nature helps a lot so I've done some big hikes. The wind helps cover up the sound a bit. Everyone says staying active and engaged is what will help habituation, so I'm trying to do that.

It sucks. It's really depressing. But we only get one life. I hope you can find a way through this.

Yes I posted in the past probably several years ago now. How did yours start? Mine is in my whole head, it's horrendous. I chatted daily on FB to a lady whose been house bound since about 2018, seemed to be about the only person as bad as me but she's completely disappeared from there and no one knows what's happened to her.

Mine developed from an infection and subsequent hearing loss. I have 3-5 tones and hear them all day long.

There is a Facebook group called mono hearing, for members who have single sided deafness. It is quite a positive and encouraging group. Maybe try asking on there for advice?

I've searched FB for the group you mention but it didn't come up, plenty of other ones. Can you be more specific please?

Sorry I got that wrong. I was thinking of the subreddit which is called MonoHearing (a group on reddit).

The Facebook page which may help is called:
'SSHL - sudden sensorineural hearing loss'

As an aside, are you taking antidepressants? I would actually prioritise that first and getting out the house, enjoying a hot shower and washing your hair etc. once your mental health is stronger i think you’ll be stronger to tackle the tinnitus

Yes, I mentioned that in my first post, they haven't helped at all.

I'm so so sorry OP. My ex partner lost hearing in one ear and developed tinnitus after a medical procedure that we think contributed to it. It's not deafening like yours but he would do anything to have it stop... yet doesn't want to risk making it worse or affecting his good ear.

I have no suggestions I'm afraid other than to wish you strength to fight for any help you can, for your mental health as well as anything that can alleviate the tinnitus.